Northerners facing disruption during the Mountain closure are being offered an unexpected lifeline, with the Steam Packet announcing a brand‑new “express commuter route” between Ramsey and Douglas.
The service, described as a “strategic collaboration” between the Steam Packet, the Department of Infrastructure and the Department for Enterprise, is billed as a fast, reliable alternative for anyone unwilling to brave the Coast Road crawl from April 7.
According to the announcement, the Ben‑my‑Chree will be reassigned to operate the new commuter run, offering morning and evening sailings from Ramsey Pier to Douglas Harbour.
The crossing is promised to take just 14 minutes “in favourable tides and with a strong tailwind”.
Complainers First
Priority boarding will reportedly be given to key workers and anyone “who has already complained at least twice about the diversion”.
The DoI says it has “listened carefully to disgruntled northerners” and believes the new route will “restore vital connectivity” while the Mountain Road is shut.
The DfE, meanwhile, is said to be exploring “innovative new ways” to support its agencies, with the commuter ferry described as “a bold example of cross‑departmental synergy”.
A Steam Packet spokesperson said the initiative would allow commuters to “sail past the problem rather than sit in it”, with fares “priced competitively against a tank of fuel and a Ben-my-Chree Breakfast”.
Obviously, this is an April Fools’ story, and if that wasn’t immediately obvious, you may have hit your internet allowance for today.